Mandurah Crab Fest has claimed best major festival at the 2017 Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards.
Supported by the state government through Tourism Western Australia the awards honoured 80 winners and medallists, across 25 categories.
Thousands of residents and visitors flock to the streets of Mandurah every March for the City’s signature event, the Mandurah Crab Fest.
More than 150 tourism operators and industry representatives attended the event at Crown Perth.
Winners at the ceremony organised by Tourism Council WA will automatically become finalists in the 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at Optus Stadium in February, 2018.
In its 45th year the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards aims to highlight the quality and diversity of tourism attractions, amenities and experiences that WA has to offer.
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Tourism Council WA chief executive officer Evan Hall said the awards presented an opportunity to celebrate innovation and business excellence in the state’s tourism sector.
“The people who make up Western Australia’s tourism industry are incredibly passionate about offering amazing experiences to our visitors,” he said.
“As has been the case every year since the Awards began in 1972, the calibre of entries has been high and we see a great diversity among the attractions, amenities and experiences represented,” he said.
“This year has seen an increased amount of entries into the ecotourism category, which recognises ecologically sustainable tourism with a focus on experiences in natural areas which emphasise environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
“As tourism in Western Australia evolves, we see this emerging through the entries into the Awards program – this year, more high-quality businesses entering the ecotourism category reflects an increased interest in our natural tourism assets.”
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia congratulated all the winners.
“The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards celebrate the success of some truly outstanding tourism operations and set a benchmark for all members of the state’s tourism industry,” she said.
“The state government is a proud sponsor of the awards and, on behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate all the winners and wish them the best of luck for the national awards, which will be held at Optus Stadium next February.
“Tourism is vital to the State’s economy generating about $10 billion in visitor spend a year and supporting around 27,000 businesses, including those honoured at tonight’s awards.”
For a full list of winners, visit http://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au.